1996 GMC Sierra 1500: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 1996 GMC Sierra 1500: 0 recalls, 5 owner complaints and up to 18 mpg combined.
Before 1999, Sierra 1500 was a trim level on GMC's C/K pickup, not a separate model. Owners often file these reports under the trim name. For the full picture, also see the 1996 C1500, 1996 K1500, 1996 C2500, 1996 K2500.
Recalls
No recalls on file for this model year. Still worth a VIN check.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 1 mention a fire, 1 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Brakes (hydraulic) (2): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Electrical (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Tires (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
- Fuel system (1): no single recurring theme in the descriptions.
The 1996 GMC Sierra 1500 has 5 owner complaints, ranking #32 of 33 Sierra 1500 model years for complaints (well below the 271 average). Complaints peaked in 2006 (1 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 11 years old, at a median of 132,500 miles. Neighboring years: 1995 (3 complaints, 0 recalls), 1997 (83 complaints, 3 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.3 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 | 21 | 18 | Regular |
| 4.3 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 20 | 17 | Regular |
| 5.0 L 8-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 19 | 16 | Regular |
| 6.5 L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 15 | 19 | 16 | Diesel |
| 4.3 L 6-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 15 | 19 | 16 | Regular |
| 4.3 L 6-cyl | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 | 19 | 16 | Regular |
| 5.0 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 17 | 15 | Regular |
| 5.7 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 14 | 17 | 15 | Regular |
| 5.7 L 8-cyl | Manual 5-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 13 | 18 | 15 | Regular |
| 5.0 L 8-cyl | Manual 5-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 | 17 | 15 | Regular |
| 6.5 L 8-cyl turbo | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 14 | 17 | 15 | Diesel |
| 5.0 L 8-cyl | Automatic 4-spd | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 13 | 17 | 14 | Regular |
FAQ
Does the 1996 GMC Sierra 1500 have any recalls?
NHTSA doesn't list any vehicle recalls for the 1996 GMC Sierra 1500. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to be sure.
What are the most common 1996 GMC Sierra 1500 problems?
Owners have filed 5 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are brakes (hydraulic) (2), electrical (1), tires (1).
What gas mileage does the 1996 GMC Sierra 1500 get?
EPA ratings run up to 18 mpg combined (4.3 L, Manual 5-spd), across 14 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 1996 GMC Sierra 1500 repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.